AEK Athens 2-3 Real Madrid (Bellingham, Mbappé and Valverde). An entertaining European victory… Here is my immediate reaction. More to come: player notes, interviews and post-game podcast.
The matches are coming relentlessly at this stage of the season, and a Champions League trip to Greece to face AEK Athens was next up for Real Madrid. Vinícius Júnior was back in the lineup after being absent recently due to his domestic ban. Denzel Dumfries also returned on the right side. Yan Diomande retained his place, but Fede Valverde took his place on the bench. Thibaut Courtois was captain of Real Madrid.
AEK Athens intended to demonstrate their technical abilities from the start, opening Real Madrid up and forcing Thibaut Courtois into an early save, before taking the lead thanks to an excellent throw-in and strike from Aboubakary Koïta. Former Madrid player Luka Jović looked in fine form as the home side continued to impress after the goal. However, Los Blancos eventually woke up – and found the net after some quick reactions from Jude Bellingham were ruled out for offside. However, Jude would do better moments later. The Englishman would meet a powerful low cross from Marc Cucurella in a way few others would attempt, delicately sending the ball past the stunned keeper. Jude starred as Madrid finished the half in front. 1-1 at the break.
A fairly balanced second half lacked chances at the start, before AEK Athens took the lead again after a well-worked action. That lead lasted for three minutes as Jude Bellingham played in Denzel Dumfries – and the full-back played a perfect ball for Kylian Mbappé to head home. Mbappé then hit the bar a few minutes from time, after good work from Endrick. Fede Valverde would score the winner in injury time, scoring a thunderbolt to steal a result from Athens. At full time, 3-2 against Real Madrid – what a game and another decisive victory! What were your main lessons? THE
Gn sports
